Rosensweig Sworn in as Town's Fifth Chief of Police

Carl Rosensweig was sworn in as Granby’s fifth-ever chief of police at the regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen on Monday evening.

Rosensweig, who most recently served as one of West Hartford’s two assistant chiefs, took over for former Chief of Police David Watkins, who stepped down on Sept. 30 after 30 years on the Granby police force, 10 of which he spent as the town’s top cop.

After taking the oath, Rosensweig said a few words, thanking town officials, Watkins, his former colleagues in West Hartford and his family.

“I want to thank [Town Manager] Bill Smith for the confidence he showed in hiring me,” Rosensweig said. “I told him how honored and humbled I becoming [in being Granby’s chief of police].”

He promised that he wouldn’t let Smith, his officers or the community at large down and that he “will always do [his] best.”

Watkins, according to Rosensweig, left the department with quality officers who have not only kept the department running as the new chief gets acclimated to his new surroundings, but have also made the transition smooth and professional.

Rosensweig served in the West Hartford police department for 31 years.

According to the town of West Hartford’s website, Rosensweig was promoted to lieutenant in the patrol division in 1995. In 1996, he was assigned to the lieutenant of the special investigations division and he was promoted to assistant chief in 2001.

Rosensweig was a member and supervisor of the SWAT team, as well as an FTO and an Honor Guard member, according to the website. He has received several commendations including one for his apprehension of a fleeing thief while off duty in June 1994, according to the website.

In other business, Smith provided the selectmen with an updated list of capital projects for an upcoming bonding referendum in January.

Smith already submitted a capital improvements list to the Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee in September, but several new projects, including the proposed $3 million purchase of Evonsion Farm for possible conversion to playing fields, have been added since then.

The total cost of the projects would be $7.74 million, which, if approved by voters, would cost the town between $4.57 million and $4.82 million after taking into account state and federal grants that the town is either eligible for or has already received.

The following is the list of those projects, their estimated total cost and the estimated amount of money that the town would have to contribute to them.

Of particular concern is the Silver Street Bridge replacement, which has been under consideration for eight years.

Smith said that the town has finally received the necessary approval and advertisements have already been placed soliciting bids, with the hope of awarding the bid in January.

The town is being so aggressive in the timeline, according to Smith, to ensure that the project starts in April and is completed in one construction season.

“If [the timeline] is missed, I don’t know what will happen,” Smith said. “It will probably go back for review.”

The Pond House at Salmon Brook is another project that has been on the list for quite some time, according to Smith.

“It’s in serious need of replacement,” Smith said.

The cost of the project to the town is between $200,000 and $450,000, depending on whether the town receives a STEAP grant from the state.

The Cossitt Library project involves purchasing land adjacent to the historic building to install a septic and well system as well as provide additional parking.

The cost to the town is just $15,000 if the town uses the proceeds of the sale of a building to the volunteer nurses’ association as a makeweight.

The selectmen approved a resolution to have the projects reviewed by CPPAC, which is holding a meeting on Nov. 9.

The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 7.